Archive for 11 Vital Relationships

In the concluding sermon of this series, Jason Locke talks about place. Christianity is a religion focused on the local rather than the universal. In this sense, God wants you to bloom in place. When you grow in your appreciation of God’s where you are, then your faith and your witness will blossom. The text was Psalm 48.

On the College Church’s annual day of giving for global missions, Jason Locke preached about the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. When we live in ignorance of our neighbors, we put to risk our own salvation. This parable reminds us how much we need one another in order to live in the Kingdom of God — the rich need the poor, not just vice versa.

In a continuing series on the relationships you need in order to grow as a Christian, Jason Locke looks at the story of Rhoda from Acts 12. Out of the all the “important” characters in this chapter (Herod, Peter, Mary, etc.), only Rhoda instantly see God’s working for what it is. It’s the continuing story of God’s upside-down Kingdom. And it’s a reminder of why we need “little ones” in our lives who can see things for what they really are.

In Luke 19, we encounter one of scripture’s most famous, yet relatively insignificant, characters. Zacchaeus is the kind of person who wasn’t welcome at many dinner tables, yet Jesus invited himself into the home of this “sinner.” We all need a Zacchaeus in our lives–someone who breaks the mold and disturbs the comfortable. Jason Locke preaches this story in this week’s message.

Who’s got your back? For those on a mission, perhaps no relationship is more valuable than a back-coverer. Those in leadership & those willing to take risks for God’s sake need constant protection, either through prayer or physical presence. In this week’s message, Jason Locke discusses the problem of back-stabbing and why you need help to cover your back.

Luke Skywalker had Yoda. Karate Kid Daniel had his Mr. Miyagi. Bill Gates had Warren Buffett. Ralph Waldo Emerson taught Henry David Thoreau. Every person needs a mentor, and there’s no better mentor in scripture than the apostle Paul. In this continuing series on the relationships we need to thrive, Jason Locke looks at what made Paul such a great mentor.

In part 5 of this series, Jason Locke speaks on the power of encouragement. Barnabas was known as the Son of Encouragement. His ability to give generously and vouch for people when they were down & out made him a much-needed friend. We all need encouraging people like Barnabas in our lives. How can you look for ways to lift the spirits of others?

In a continuing series on the importance of relationships, Jason Locke talks about the need to develop others — while being developed ourselves. When we learn from others, the goal isn’t to become clones but rather to become what God has made us to be. A good example of this kind of relationship is in Paul’s mentoring of Timothy.

Jethro played a key role at three key, transition points in life of his son-in-law Moses. Even though Jethro did not belong to the Hebrews, his counsel propelled Moses toward greater involvement in the work of God. We all need a Jethro in our lives to give us the encouragement or kick we need to get moving.

In part 2 of a series that draws from 11 Indispensable Relationships by Leonard Sweet, we continue to look at the relationships we all need to survive and thrive in our Christian walk. Everyone needs as least one “true friend.” Jason Locke talks about the need for transparent, sacrificial relationships that build us up and keep us focused on what’s important.